Last Exit (Junior Boys album)

Last updated
Last Exit
Juniorboyslastexit.jpg
Studio album by
Junior Boys
ReleasedJune 7, 2004 (2004-06-07)
Genre
Length53:26
Label
Producer Junior Boys
Junior Boys chronology
Last Exit
(2004)		 So This Is Goodbye
(2006)
Singles from Last Exit
  1. "Birthday"
    Released: November 20, 2003 (2003-11-20)
  2. "High Come Down"
    Released: February 2004 (2004-02)

Last Exit is the debut studio album by Canadian electronic music group Junior Boys. It was released on June 7, 2004 by KIN Records in the United Kingdom and on September 21, 2004 by Domino Recording Company in the United States. The album was promoted by two singles: "Birthday" and "High Come Down".

Contents

Last Exit received rave reviews from critics. [5] The United States release contains a bonus disc adding songs previously only available on their EPs.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 89/100 [5]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [6]
Blender Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Entertainment Weekly B+ [8]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [2]
NME 9/10 [9]
Pitchfork 8.9/10 [10]
Q Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [4]
Spin A− [11]
Uncut Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [12]

Last Exit received highly positive reviews from music critics. The album holds a score of 89 out of 100 on the review aggregator website Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim". [5] Writing for Pitchfork , Scott Plagenhoef praised the album for its "deceptively simple and very approachable tracks" and remarked that songwriter Jeremy Greenspan was able "to fold elements of nearly a quarter-century of forward-looking pop into a distinct sound without sounding either conceptual or trading on contradictions or the smoke-and-mirrors of attention-grabbing eclecticism." [10] Uncut wrote that "the contrast between romanticism and sonic daring, alien time signatures and freakishly pretty tunes, is irresistible." [12] The Guardian 's Dorian Lynskey stated that Junior Boys' "spectral vision of electronic pop is an understated, unpredictable delight", [2] while PopMatters ' Adrien Begrand called Last Exit "a warm, friendly, entirely accessible pop album." [13] Andy Kellman of AllMusic noted that the album's songs "can be enjoyed with or without all of the analysis and context" and praised the duo's "ability to be alluringly aloof". [6] Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly called the album "prettily nostalgic (think New Order, Erasure, Bronski Beat) and gloriously right now." [8]

Accolades

The song "Teach Me How to Fight" ranked at number 57 on Porcys' list of the best singles of 2000-2004, [14] as well as number 16 on Screenagers' list of the best songs of the 2000s. [15]

PublicationCountryRankList
CokemachineglowCanada19Albums of the Year
Eye Weekly 9Albums of the Year
Magic France10Albums of the Year
PorcysPoland4Albums of the Year
22Top 100 Albums from 2000-2004
7Top 100 Albums of the 2000s
Screenagers25Albums of the Year
4Top 100 Albums of the 2000s
B92 Serbia16Albums of the Year
CD DromeSpain24Albums of the Year
Mondosonoro17Albums of the Year
Rockdelux 21Albums of the Year
Nöjesguiden Sweden36Albums of the Year
Sonic16Albums of the Year
The Guardian UK*1000 Albums to Hear Before You Die
No Ripcord10Albums of the Year
Rough Trade 57Albums of the Year
Uncut 15Albums of the Year
AllMusic USA*Albums of the Year
Left Off the Dial14Albums of the Year
Pitchfork 28Albums of the Year
76Top 200 Albums of the 2000s
PopMatters 26Albums of the Year
Prefix49Albums of the Year
Stylus 4Albums of the Year
26The 50 Best Albums of 2000-2004
47Top 100 Albums of the 2000s
Treble133Top 150 Albums of the 2000s
The Village Voice 41Albums of the Year

*denotes an unordered list

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."More Than Real"
  • Johnny Dark
  • Jeremy Greenspan
6:39
2."Bellona"
  • Dark
  • Greenspan
5:38
3."High Come Down"
  • Dark
  • Greenspan
4:29
4."Last Exit"
  • Dark
  • Greenspan
6:35
5."Neon Rider"Greenspan2:08
6."Birthday"
  • Dark
  • Greenspan
4:16
7."Under the Sun"
  • Matt Didemus
  • Greenspan
7:02
8."Three Words"Greenspan5:46
9."Teach Me How to Fight"
  • Didemus
  • Greenspan
5:31
10."When I'm Not Around"Greenspan5:22
Total length:53:26
US bonus disc
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Unbirthday"
  • Dark
  • Greenspan
6:04
2."Last Exit" (Fennesz Mix)
  • Dark
  • Greenspan
5:35
3."Birthday" (Manitoba Mix)
  • Dark
  • Greenspan
5:12
4."A Certain Association"
  • Didemus
  • Greenspan
2:22
Total length:19:13

Related Research Articles

<i>A Grand Dont Come for Free</i> 2004 studio album by The Streets

A Grand Don't Come for Free is the second studio album by English rapper and producer Mike Skinner, under the music project the Streets. It was released on 17 May 2004 and is listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. It is a rap opera and concept album that follows the story of its protagonist's relationship with a girl named Simone, alongside the mysterious loss of £1,000 from his home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Junior Boys</span> Canadian electronic pop group

Junior Boys are a Canadian electronic pop group, founded in 1999 in Hamilton, Ontario by Jeremy Greenspan and Johnny Dark. Dark left the project shortly after, and was replaced by engineer Matt Didemus. The duo initially gained critical praise for their 2003 single "Birthday" and 2004 debut album Last Exit. Their work incorporates disparate influences from 1980s synthpop, UK garage, techno, and R&B.

<i>Dear Catastrophe Waitress</i> 2003 studio album by Belle and Sebastian

Dear Catastrophe Waitress is the sixth studio album by Scottish indie pop band Belle & Sebastian, released on 6 October 2003 on Rough Trade Records. Producer Trevor Horn, former member of the Buggles and producer of groups like Yes and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, oversaw the production of the album, and gave it a more polished, pop-friendly sound, which stood in sharp contrast with their previous lo-fi, folky albums. In particular, the danceable track "Stay Loose" proved to be the first in a series of songs that further diverged from their roots.

<i>The Sophtware Slump</i> 2000 studio album by Grandaddy

The Sophtware Slump is the second studio album by American indie rock band Grandaddy. It was released in May 2000 by record label V2. It is seen by some as a concept album about problems concerning modern technology in society. The album was released to critical acclaim.

<i>Sumday</i> 2003 studio album by Grandaddy

Sumday is the third studio album by American indie rock band Grandaddy, released on May 13, 2003 by record label V2.

<i>Finisterre</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Saint Etienne

Finisterre is the sixth studio album by English alternative dance band Saint Etienne, released on 7 October 2002 by Mantra Records. A double-disc deluxe edition was released on 3 May 2010 by Heavenly Records.

<i>Anniemal</i> 2004 studio album by Annie

Anniemal is the debut album by Norwegian singer Annie. It was first released by 679 Recordings in September 2004. Annie began recording music in 1999 with her boyfriend, Tore Kroknes, who died in 2001. She returned to recording later that year, collaborating with Richard X, Röyksopp, and Timo Kaukolampi.

<i>D. I. Go Pop</i> 1994 studio album by Disco Inferno

D. I. Go Pop is the second studio album by English post-rock band Disco Inferno, released on 28 February 1994. After forming as a post-punk band in 1989, the band subsequently worked towards an innovative production approach that incorporated found sound elements through extensive use of digital samplers. The band released several critically acclaimed EPs in this vein from 1992–93, and recorded D. I. Go Pop concurrently with some of those preceding EPs, working with producer Charlie McIntosh. The album cover, designed by Fuel and featuring photography by David Spero, has been described as "one of the most indelible album cover images in the '90s."

<i>Showtime</i> (Dizzee Rascal album) 2004 studio album by Dizzee Rascal

Showtime is the second studio album by grime artist Dizzee Rascal, released on 6 September 2004 and 14 September in the United States. As of May 2007, the album has sold over 16,000 units in the United States—a decline on his debut album, Boy in da Corner, which sold 58,000. It has also been certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for selling over 100,000 copies.

<i>Black Sheep Boy</i> 2005 studio album by Okkervil River

Black Sheep Boy is the third studio album by American indie rock band Okkervil River, released on April 5, 2005. The title is inspired by the song "Black Sheep Boy" by 1960s folk singer Tim Hardin. The album deals with Hardin's struggle with heroin addiction and Okkervil River lead singer Will Sheff's failed relationships and heartbreaks. The album cover features the work of Providence artist William Schaff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In Public</span> 2005 single by Kelis featuring Nas

"In Public" is a song by American singer Kelis, featuring American rapper Nas, taken from the former's third studio album, Tasty (2003). It was released as the album's fourth and final single on April 4, 2005. Kelis co-wrote the song with its producer, Rockwilder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Some Girls (Rachel Stevens song)</span> 2004 single by Rachel Stevens

"Some Girls" is a song by English singer Rachel Stevens from the 2004 reissue of her debut studio album, Funky Dory (2003). It was written by Richard X and Hannah Robinson, and produced by the former, with additional production from Pete Hoffman. It was also included on Stevens' second studio album, Come and Get It (2005). The song's music features a schaffel beat influenced by glam rock, and its lyrics describe a pop singer who performs sexual favours in her efforts to achieve stardom.

<i>So This Is Goodbye</i> 2006 studio album by Junior Boys

So This is Goodbye is the second studio album by Canadian electronic music group Junior Boys. It was first released by Domino Recording Company on August 22, 2006 in Canada, and on September 11, 2006 in other territories. Junior Boys, now solely comprising the duo of Jeremy Greenspan and Matthew Didemus following the departure of founding member Johnny Dark, recorded the album in Hamilton, Ontario and wrote much of the album's material, with the exception of a cover of the Frank Sinatra song "When No One Cares".

<i>Night Falls Over Kortedala</i> 2007 studio album by Jens Lekman

Night Falls Over Kortedala is the second studio album by Swedish indie pop musician Jens Lekman. Described as "a collection of recordings 2004–2007" on Lekman's website and in the album's liner notes, Night Falls Over Kortedala was released in Scandinavia on the label Service on 5 September 2007 and worldwide on 9 October 2007 through Secretly Canadian.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Greatest Hit (song)</span> 1999 single by Annie

"The Greatest Hit" is a song by Norwegian singer Annie. It was written and produced by Annie and DJ Tore "Erot" Kroknes. The song samples Madonna's 1982 debut single "Everybody", and she received a co-writing credit. The track was released as a limited edition 7-inch single in 1999. It became an underground club hit in Norway and the United Kingdom. Retitled "Greatest Hit", the song was later included on Annie's debut album, Anniemal (2004).

<i>The Future Will Come</i> 2009 studio album by The Juan MacLean

The Future Will Come is the second album by American electronic artist The Juan MacLean. It was released by DFA Records on April 21, 2009. The album is heavily influenced by British synthpop band The Human League, and it incorporates many themes from science fiction. The Future Will Come received somewhat positive reviews from music critics and yielded three singles: "Happy House", "The Simple Life", and "One Day".

<i>VH1 Storytellers</i> (Kanye West album) 2010 live album by Kanye West

VH1 Storytellers is the second live album by American recording artist Kanye West. It was released on January 5, 2010, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. Upon release, the album received generally positive reviews from music critics with most praise going towards the performances of West's tracks.

<i>American Whip</i> 2002 studio album by Joy Zipper

American Whip is the second album by the New York dream pop duo Joy Zipper released in 2002.

<i>Big Black Coat</i> 2016 studio album by Junior Boys

Big Black Coat is the fifth studio album by Canadian electronic music duo Junior Boys. The album was released on February 5, 2016 by the group's new home label City Slang. It is the group's first record in five years.

<i>Oh No</i> (Jessy Lanza album) 2016 studio album by Jessy Lanza

Oh No is the second album by Canadian musician Jessy Lanza. It was released on May 13, 2016 by Hyperdub. The album features co-production from Junior Boys' Jeremy Greenspan and was preceded by the singles "It Means I Love You" and "VV Violence".

References

  1. 1 2 "Junior Boys: Last Exit". Q (215): 98. June 2004.
  2. 1 2 3 Lynskey, Dorian (May 21, 2004). "Junior Boys, Last Exit". The Guardian . Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  3. ↑ Pitchfork Staff (October 2, 2009). "The 200 Best Albums of the 2000s". Pitchfork . Retrieved April 28, 2023. Greenspan did it by wrapping wistful words in some of the decade's most lovingly produced electro-pop...
  4. 1 2 Blashill, Pat (October 28, 2004). "Junior Boys: Last Exit". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on June 11, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 "Reviews for Last Exit by Junior Boys". Metacritic . Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  6. 1 2 Kellman, Andy. "Last Exit – Junior Boys". AllMusic . Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Junior Boys: Last Exit". Blender (31): 136. November 2004.
  8. 1 2 Greenblatt, Leah (September 24, 2004). "Last Exit". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Junior Boys: Last Exit". NME : 41. July 31, 2004.
  10. 1 2 Plagenhoef, Scott (June 15, 2004). "Junior Boys: Last Exit". Pitchfork . Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Breakdown". Spin . 20 (11): 118. November 2004. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  12. 1 2 "Ready To Depart". Uncut (86): 102. July 2004. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  13. ↑ Begrand, Adrien (October 13, 2004). "Junior Boys: Last Exit". PopMatters . Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  14. ↑ "100 Singles 2000-2004". Porcys. Porcys Media. 11 July 2005. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  15. ↑ "Podsumowanie dekady". Screenagers. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.